Pelican Court Residents Could Begin Moving In January as Government Considers $175000 Price Tag for Units

Families displaced by the redevelopment of Booby Alley could begin moving into their new homes as early as January 2027, but important decisions concerning ownership, mortgages and rental arrangements must first be finalised.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne provided Cabinet with an update on Wednesday regarding preparations for the handover and occupancy of Pelican Court, the 150-unit condominium-style development in the Point community.

The approximately EC$50 million project, financed through a grant from the People's Republic of China, replaces ageing wooden structures with modern, climate-resilient accommodation intended to improve living conditions for more than 300 former residents.

Although the development is approaching formal handover, the government is targeting January 2027 for residential occupancy to allow sufficient time to complete legal, administrative, infrastructure and property-management arrangements.

One of the major issues discussed was how units should be allocated to former property owners.

Browne proposed that individuals who previously owned and occupied homes in Booby Alley should receive priority consideration, with the assessed value of their former properties credited towards their new accommodation.

Under one possible arrangement, a homeowner whose previous property was valued at EC$20,000 could have that amount credited towards the purchase of a condominium, with the remaining balance financed through a mortgage.

Cabinet considered indicative selling prices ranging from EC$150,000 to EC$175,000 per unit, although no final pricing structure has been approved.

The Prime Minister also raised the possibility of offering cash compensation to individuals who owned properties in the former community but did not reside there.

Former tenants could meanwhile be accommodated in government-owned units under structured rental agreements.

Cabinet stressed that an effective property-management system must be established to ensure the development remains financially sustainable.

Rules governing maintenance, parking, waste disposal, common areas and residential responsibilities will also be introduced.

The government is examining additional water-storage facilities, landscaping improvements and possible credit arrangements to help qualifying residents purchase essential furniture.

Browne is expected to continue consultations with former residents, housing authorities and legal officials before the final allocation arrangements are determined.

The government maintains that Pelican Court must become more than a modern housing complex, with proper management and maintenance considered essential to protecting the investment and improving residents' quality of life.